We instinctively avoid our experiences (thoughts, feelings, emotions, sensations, and memories) because we fear all the emotions tied to our trauma. It seems too painful. Leaning into the pain feels counterintuitive, yet it is precisely what we must do to complete the stress cycle and release it from our mind and body. This work requires immense courage, but the rewards are profoundly freeing.
Talk therapy aids in top-down processing. While talk therapy plays a crucial role in trauma treatment, it often isn't sufficient on its own. The missing element is bottom-up information processing, where sensations in the body guide the processing of information.
Peter Levine suggests that somatic treatment should be titrated (slow is better with trauma) through pendulation between resourcing, which involves inviting our mind and body to focus on sensations of safety or goodness, no matter how small, and titration, which means working with only small portions of difficult experiences at a time. This also involves pausing and taking time to notice how body sensations correspond to what is being discussed. This process helps the body to regain homeostasis—a state where the body's systems are balanced and functioning properly.
As a somatic sexologist, I often team up with therapists, helping clients explore and enhance their sexual well-being by focusing on the mind-body connection. I utilize techniques like breathwork, movement, and mindful awareness to help clients deeply connect with their physical sensations and emotions during sexual experiences. This often involves addressing issues related to sexual trauma or body image concerns through a body-centered approach.
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